The Academy Responds To Will Smith Smacking Chris Rock On Stage At Oscars
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The Academy has responded to Will Smith smacking Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars.
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After creating arguably the most viral moment of 2022, I think it's safe to say The Fresh Price of Bel-Air actor had a pretty eventful night.
The 53-year-old picked up his first ever Oscar, taking home the Best Actor accolade for his leading role in King Richard.
However, shortly before accepting his award, comedian Rock made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, suggesting she looked like 'GI Jane'.
When getting back to his seat, Smith shouted: "Keep my wife's name out your f**king mouth."
The actor later addressed the incident in his speech, saying: "I want to apologise to the academy. I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees.
"Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things."
The Academy does not condone violence of any form.
Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.
- The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 28, 2022
Well, the Oscars have now responded to the incident via Twitter, writing: "The Academy does not condone violence of any form.
"Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world."
The LAPD also responded to the incident, as a rep told the NY Post: "LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program.
"The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report.
"If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report."
At the time, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (AMPAS) CEO Dawn Hudson wrote to members: "Academy membership is a privilege offered to only a select few within the global community of filmmakers," Variety reported.
"In addition to achieving excellence in the field of motion picture arts and sciences, members must also behave ethically by upholding the Academy's values of respect for human dignity, inclusion, and a supportive environment that fosters creativity. "
She added: "There is no place in the Academy for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognized standards of decency. The Academy is categorically opposed to any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, or nationality. The Board of Governors believes that these standards are essential to the Academy's mission and reflective of our values."
Featured Image Credit: ABC
Topics: Will Smith, Oscars
